The proposed theme of the 2007 Executive Leadership Conference is “Leveraging the Perfect Storm for Government Success”.

The phrase “perfect storm” refers to a concurrence of events which, if taken individually, would be less disruptive than the result of their chance combination. Though this term is most often used to describe a meteorological event, those involved in the government IT community find ourselves at the vortex of our own perfect storm. Unprecedented change in acquisition, security, the government workforce and breakthrough technologies presents us with mission critical challenges – and extraordinary opportunities.

Through active discussion and interaction, ELC 2007 will examine the components of our perfect storm with a view to finding actionable solutions for constituencies in both government and industry. Help us navigate the waters. Participate in the compelling, and controversial, discussions at this year’s ELC.

2007 ELC THEME: TRACK PLANNING

ELC 2007 Conference Plenary Session & Track planning will incorporate this theme through:

§         Focus on topics that have contributed – and continue to contribute – to the formation of the perfect storm. These are issues that impact the ability of Federal Agencies to deliver on their mission;

§         An examination of two distinct elements within each topic area:

a.      A view from the midst of the storm—the current state, specific challenges facing government and industry, and the strategies, techniques, lessons learned and promising practices for dealing with them; and

b.      A vision for the future—storms can be destructive, but they also bring the opportunity for change and renewal. Once the storm has passed and the sun rises on a new day, what does the landscape look like?

Acquisition:

The need for rapid implementation of innovative and creative IT solutions often conflicts with a relatively inflexible acquisition process.  Acquisition continues to be buffeted by forces that are often at odds; come join the discussion of the most critical acquisition topics of the day.

Security:

Today there is intense debate occurring around all aspects of security.  Emerging IT security threats require agencies (and the industry partners that support them) to be one step ahead.  How do we maximize our ability to protect critical assets and ensure that citizens remain confident in how the government safeguards their data?

Human Capital:

The government workforce is the human lever on which every other element of the mission depends.  Public expectations, technology, and the federal workforce itself are all changing rapidly.  What are the implications for government and industry?

Emerging Forces:

Discover the disruptive forces –new technologies and new ways of doing business- that will shape the work of government in the next decade.  How will we measure results and stay ahead of the next wave so that government and our citizens may reap the benefits of innovation?